Former KPMG chairman to head up ICC board

SIR MICHAEL Rake, chairman of BT and former head of KPMG’s European operations has been appointed as chair of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

Rake’s new role at the world business organisation will draw on his experience as chairman of Big Four firm KMPG and telecoms giant BT, as well as his experience from Barclays, the CBI and the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council.

The former KPMG man has been appointed to champion the global benefits of open trade, as well as acting as a figurehead for British business. The ICC has been operating since 1919 after being founded by banker and scholar Sir Walter Leaf. Other former chairmen include Sir John Buchanan, Sir Peter Macadam and Sir Reay Geddes.

Rakewill be leading a reinvigorated ICC board, which now includes former KPMG partner Paul Korolkiewicz as honorary treasurer; Sir Roger Carr, chairman of BAE Systems and Paul Dreschler, president of CBI.

Commenting on his appointment, Rake said: “ICC is the global organization that connects companies from all corners of the globe to influence and create the rules that govern the entire business and trading landscape.

“The opinion of UK business is valued and highly sought-after across the world, but they need to be heard – our priority is to give them a voice,” continued Rake.